Saturday 21 / December / 2024
Muscat: National Business Centre (NBC), which falls under the umbrella of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), recently organised the first annual meeting between PEIE CEO Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani and Omani entrepreneurs.
The meeting was aimed at getting acquainted with incubated and graduated companies, discussing the challenges facing entrepreneurs, in addition to getting familiarised with the opportunities available for entrepreneurs within and outside industrial estates. Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to meet strategic partners and supporters of the entrepreneurship and innovation environment in the Sultanate.
Addressing the entrepreneurs at the event, Al Hasani gave a brief on NBC and its objectives. NBC is recognised as a milestone project for entrepreneurs in Oman, which was launched by PEIE in 2013 to offer promising Omani entrepreneurs a platform to develop their business ideas and advance them into growing ventures.
"This gathering offers an opportunity to learn about the challenges affecting small and medium enterprises by inviting finance funds, commercial banks and the bodies supporting entrepreneurs to identify the needs of this promising sector in the Sultanate and explore solutions to overcome difficulties," Al Hasani pointed out.
The meeting included a discussion session, which highlighted the experience of five incubated and graduated companies at NBC and Riyada incubator.
Shadiya Al Ismaily of Deema Oman spoke of her project, which is renowned for its classic collection of designer jewellery and linen, with customers ranging from royalty to high net-worth connoisseurs and luxury hotel chains.
Dr Salim Al Wahaibi of Oliban said that the company seeks to disseminate an international Omani brand using the best international ethical and professional practices in the area of health and wellness by creating value for sustainable products.
Hassan Al Lawati of Carzaty spoke about his experience of launching the first online car store in Oman to offer the best car offers to Omanis and residents in the Sultanate at the best prices.
Abdullah Al Badi of the National Electricity Centre highlighted the role played by his company since its establishment in developing a strategy to contribute to the advancement of the electricity and energy sectors in the country.
Finally, Shaima Al Lawati of Destination Sustainability stated that Destination Sustainability is a personlised consultancy and research firm in corporate sustainability and social responsibility. It brings together international best practices and global research and innovation with deep local expertise and regional cultural awareness in the field of corporate social responsibility, stakeholder and community engagement, sustainability systems and social impact measurement.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on the sidelines of the event between Ithbat Company, which is incubated by NBC in the Riyada incubator, and Al Hassan Group.
The MoU aims at implementing a training programme for 20 social security students from grade 10. The selection of students will be implemented in coordination with parents’ councils. The programme aims at developing self-awareness skills, self-learning abilities, acquisition of research skills, among other skills and topics.
